SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) – Hunting season has been underway for over a month in the Syracuse area with bow season starting Oct. 1. With rifle season starting Nov. 20, hunters will continue to take the woods.
There are almost 1.2 million deer that habitat New York State, and the DEC predicts 250,000 will be taken during the hunting season.
Both antler and antler-less deer are allowed to be taken during seasons, as long as you have the proper tags for them. The DEC releases Deer Management Permits (DMP) for antler-less deer based on the populations in each section of the state. Syracuse is in the 7F region of New York State for those of you wondering what region to apply for if you hunt or plan on hunting locally.
Syracuse has had its fair share of deer problems in the past. Wildlife Biologist Jeremey Hurst says hunting helps control the overpopulation from creating a problem in areas like this.
“This is necessary in order to maintain deer populations at the appropriate levels, both ecologically appropriate and what’s appropriate for human levels,” Hurst said.
Hunting is a time of peace and tranquility to those who appreciate the value of it. It is a time to sit in nature and watch the animals interact in their habitat just like we do with our family.
Many families grew up in the woods together, as hunting provided a cheap way to bring a multitude of food to the working families. For veteran Joseph Ruggiero, it was how he and his father put food on the table, as well as creating a special bond between father and son,
“I’ve hunted since I was 12 with my dad and it was something we used to do together, I enjoyed being out there in the woods, just the two of us,” Joseph Ruggiero said.
If you would like to become certified to purchase your tags to hunt, you can sign up for a hunter-safety course on DEC.NY.Gov. They also hold more information about deer in New York State as well as all the necessary information you need for hunting season dates and regions.
